Shirttail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shirttail
[หสษrtteษชl ]
Definition
clothing part
The term 'shirttail' refers to the lower part of a shirt that hangs below the waistline. It is typically found at the hem of the shirt and can vary in length and style. Shirttails can be tucked into pants or left out as part of casual wear. In some contexts, it can also refer to a piece of fabric similar to a shirt's hem used in other garments or in sewing.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He wore his shirttail untucked for a relaxed look.
- The shirttail of her blouse peeked out from under the jacket.
- She adjusted the shirttail to make sure it was straight.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Fashion
- In modern styles, shirttails can be tailored to have different shapes, such as curved or split hems.
- It's popular in casual wear, where shirts are often worn untucked to show off the shirttail.
- Shirttails can come in different lengths, contributing to the overall silhouette of the outfit.
Cultural Expressions
- 'Shirttail' often appears in idiomatic expressions like 'by the shirttail', indicating someone is just barely making it or is in a difficult situation.
- This term has been woven into numerous works of literature, symbolizing both modesty and practicality in clothing.
Historical Usage
- In early American fashion, a longer shirttail was practical for covering the body and providing some warmth.
- Men's shirts were initially designed without shirttails, which were later added for practicality and style.
Technical Aspects
- Shirttails are typically finished with a hem to prevent fraying, showcasing the importance of garment construction.
- In tailored shirts, shirttails can be reinforced with interfacing for a sharper appearance.
Origin of 'shirttail'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shirttail' originated from combining 'shirt' and 'tail', referring to the part of the shirt that extends down.
- The concept dates back to the 19th century when shirts began to be designed with longer lengths.
- It reflects the way clothing evolved from simpler designs to more fashionable forms that required extra fabric.
The word 'shirttail' combines 'shirt' and 'tail,' where 'shirt' comes from the Old English 'scyrte,' a brief garment worn next to the skin, which dates back to the 14th century. 'Tail' comes from the Old French 'taile' which indicates a part that hangs down or is appended to something. The use of 'shirttail' to describe the hem of a shirt likely became common as shirts evolved from basic undergarments to fashionable outerwear, especially in the 19th century when sewing techniques improved. The popularity of wearing clothes with longer, decorative hems has contributed to the continued use and relevance of the term in modern fashion.